A year ago, Ryan Shaw was barely six months into his rehabilitation from a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury. A fortnight ago, he’d touched down for his 22nd try of 2017 for Hull KR.

The contrast of campaigns couldn’t be greater. The winger, who arrived at the Robins ahead of 2016 with great promise from Bradford Bulls, endured a devastating opening term, watching the club suffer Super League relegation from the sidelines, before playing a massive part in Rovers’ Championship revival.

Three tries already in the ongoing Qualifiers series points to a confident player in Shaw – who remains reserved and shy off the field. Perhaps that’s just a sign of his relief and focus. Earning a new two-year deal on the back of his form this year, Shaw is understandably delighted.

“I had to earn my new deal, I owed it to everyone who had helped me come back from my injury,” Shaw told the Mail.

“It was one of those freak injuries and touch wood I don’t get another like that. I did need to earn the right and I think I’ve done that. It was a very easy decision to make to stay. I signed it pretty quick but we took our time releasing it.

“Last year was tough because it wasn’t in my hands what would happen with us, either surviving in Super League or going down to the Championship. Whereas this year, I have my part to play.

“We always take a good following, like we will this afternoon, and that was one of the reasons why I signed a new deal. Hopefully I’ll have many more years after that as I’m enjoying my time here.”

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Ahead of today’s trip to Featherstone Rovers, where KR search for their fourth win in the middle 8s, Shaw’s eye for the line has only increased as time goes on.

But that plan didn’t go swimmingly in the opening rounds, as the winger explained:

“Do you know what, I did set a target, actually. Me and Hodgy (David Hodgson, assistant coach) spoke about the targets for a winger. He said one every two games – I said two every three.

“As it turned out, seven games in, I’d only scored once! But it’s gone OK since then and I’m happy with how I’m scoring.”

Realising the need to stay on the ball for 80 minutes – as opposed to the hour-long display against London to eventually win by just five points – Shaw is looking for a complete performance at Post Office Road.

Featherstone are yet to taste victory over KR this year, having lost 30-22 on Good Friday and shared the spoils in June’s 20-20 draw, but the Cumbrian is expecting a big challenge over in West Yorkshire.

“We made it hard for ourselves against London in the last 20 minutes so hopefully this week it won’t be the same. If we cut out the errors, that won’t happen.

“Featherstone are a very tough team to play against. Big, physical and we’re expecting them to come down the middle.

“They’ll really want to beat us, not only for the Qualifiers table but also because they haven’t so far this year. We scraped a draw, we didn’t perform particularly well. The first half we didn’t defend at all, but under a new coach they’ve played a lot different to last time. We’ve looked at that and we’re ready.

“I’ve seen what one game means to the fans – imagine what it would be like if we got promoted? That’s what I’m thinking.”